Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), which had taken up renovation work of 14 water bodies last year, has so far completed work at eight water bodies across the city. Restoration work at these eight ponds cost the civic body Rs 210.23 lakh.
Water bodies where restoration work has been completed include Nilakantha Puskarini under ward No. 3, Patia; Masjid pond at Haridaspur under ward No. 4, Sadhu pond near Jaipur; Pahala under ward No. 4; Maa Ugalamani pond under ward No. 5; Gadakana Pokhari in ward No. 9; Bhotapada pond under ward No. 10; Balunkeswar pond under ward No. 37 and Jena Sahi Pokhari under ward No. 32.
All these ponds/water bodies would be developed with boundary walls along the water fronts, pathways or parikrama, landscaping, water outlets for efficient drainage of excess water and fencing as per requirement and budget.
Work at the remaining six water bodies would be over by April this year. The remaining water bodies include Laxmisagar fishery pond under ward No. 43; Kapileswar pond under ward No. 59; Jhara Pokhari in Jagamara under ward No. 63; Baghua Pokhari in Jadupur under ward No. 64; Badapokhari in Begunia under ward No. 64 and Haja Pokhari Sundarpada under ward No. 67.
The funds for the restoration work are being released by Orissa Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (OUIDF). Renovation of urban water bodies has become a necessity as these ponds help in cooling the environment and improve the living conditions in the area.
A senior engineer of BMC, in-charge of the renovation work of water bodies, said that apart from the development work, de-silting of the ponds was also being carried out to ensure better water level in the ponds.
PNN
